3 reasons why PETA’s ‘Kumprontasyon’ is a masterpiece

By Marinel E. Peroy

Theater has been a powerful platform for reflecting the complexities of society. Whether addressing societal issues, personal struggles, or historical events, it allows us to understand the world around us more fully and more deeply.

This year, PETA’s Color + Shift: Changing Narratives kicked off with the re-staging of Kumprontasyon — a play directed by Melvin Lee.

Kumprontasyon (Feb. 2 to 9) showcases imagined confrontations between Filipino leaders from the past and present, putting a spotlight on historical and contemporary issues in the country. This play serves both as an expression and as a platform to find underlying truth in our stories.

The play is a masterpiece because [Reason 1:] audiences are left with this burning desire to create their own story. I was only invited to the play by one of the actors, my friend Uzziel. At first, I thought of watching the play as a personal indulgence, but after watching it I was compelled to write this feature story.

“This country will not be able to envision its fate without you and me.”

In this act, Guelan Luarca’s Impossible Dream follows a hypothetical meeting between former President Ferdinand Marcos (Ron Capinding) and Senator Ninoy Aquino (Romnick Sarmenta). It showcased the confrontation between legacy and honor, each family’s contribution to the nation.

Among the three acts, this is my personal favorite. It also depicted various figures of speech, perfect banters, and a significant historical artifact.

Perhaps, what struck me most was the “you’re just a lowly journalist” line — the common impression of an underpaid, undervalued profession.

But doesn’t the world need more good, trustworthy, and unbiased journalists who do the right thing, writing stories that otherwise would not see light?

[Reason 2:] It mirrors the reality of history and contemporary.

During the theater talkback, I noticed the mood among the audience: Some were trying to compose themselves, contemplating the scenes, andeven wiping tears from their eyes.

A feedback from the audience came from a social studies major professor, who reiterated how young people (*cue in Taylor Swift’s ONLY THE YOUNG song*) are the future of our nation.

Relatedly, the first performance – Lakambini – is a back-to-the-past entry penned by Allan Palileo.

Set in Malolos City, the story revolves around Gregoria de Jesús-Nacpil (Sherry Lara) as the widow of Andres Bonifacio and first president Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy (Teroy Guzman) during the Philippine Revolution.

They had a heated conversation in Barasoain Church, 33 years after Bonifacio’s death — tackling not only mourning the loss of her love but also the disgusting fragmentation of truth and power to taint the dignity of the motherland.

“Matagal na kitang pinatawad. Sana patawarin ka ng bayan mo,” she said.

The imaginary confrontation emphasized the issues of violence against women, social status, abuse of power, and the fight for the nation’s freedom, among others.

[Reason 3:] It makes YOU reflect on your beliefs, morals, and values.

Kumprontasyon was the standout play — despite being fiction — that would keep you asking, “What went wrong from there?”

It proves that theater plays do not only serve as a safe space, but rather a literal stage for enlightenment of issues — the confrontation that helps us deal with our next steps.

From issues of manipulative stories, corruption, and change of morals, Joshua Lim So’s A Color For Tomorrow depicts the story of a woman (Missy MaraMara) in 2058 with dementia who had an advanced gadget that allowed her speak to younger versions of herself (Uzziel Delamide/Gillian Vicencio) & Adrienne Vergara), and who later found out she chose the opposing side.

“This can’t be me.”

A student shared that poverty is the main issue of the country, citing how some Filipinos have no choice but to accept bribery just to get by in their lives. But at what cost?

Indeed, that’s the beauty of theater shows — it moves you. Some scenes or lines linger in you. A wake-up call — and this call is timely this upcoming election season in May to vote wisely.

As Director Lee said, “It’s okay to move on as long as there’s justice and accountability.”

Amidst resounding applause during the curtain call, the stage was engulfed with smoke, a cool breeze, and filled with warm hues.

There’s more to watch!

Catch the other plays, puppetry, interactive shows, Improv SPIT, and more brought by Control + Shift: Changing Narratives until February 23, 2025, at PETA Theater Center, Quezon City.

Buy your ticket/s here.